Mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literature, mainly Ayurveda, turmeric has been an important part of Indian religious and culinary traditions for centuries. It is not surprising then, that India produces 90% of the world’s turmeric. This beneficial herb is also grown in Taiwan, China, Thailand, West Pakistan and other Southeast Asian countries.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a familiar household spice found in almost all Indian kitchens is commonly used as a powder, which is extracted from the boiled and dried underground rhizomes of the herb Curcuma longa (Family-Zingiberaceae). With a distinct aromatic odor, slight astringent and bitter taste, this spice adds delicious flavor and a rich yellow color to traditional curries.
Turmeric is a veritable storehouse of medicinal properties which are mainly attributable to its active ingredient- Curcumin (diferuloylmethane). This important element imparts turmeric its intense yellow color. Its other important constituents of turmeric are tumerone, zingiberone polysaccharides and Carotene.
Turmeric has been used as a household remedy for the past several decades in both India and China. In India, it is commonly used as a local and internal antiseptic, anti-inflammatory drug and for de-worming. Turmeric is known to offer instant relief for digestive disorders such as, heartburn, indigestion, impaired metabolism, flatulence, colic and diarrhea. It is also popular as a treatment for respiratory problems like cough, cold, fever and sore throat. A teaspoon of the powder with warm milk is sure to ease your troubles away.
In the southern parts of India, it is common for women to apply turmeric paste to their face and feet after a bath. This is because turmeric has been a traditional remedy for various skin conditions. Turmeric Powder mixed with water is a potent potion that cures skin allergies, fungal infections, pimples and insect bites. It prevents blackheads and improves skin tone. As a result today, this herb is extensively used in cosmetics, skin and antiseptic creams.
Curcumin, found in abundance in turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Research has shown that its therapeutic activity is equal to other common drugs like Aspirin (NSAIDs) and cortisone. However since it is a natural remedy, Curcumin carries no side effects.
Apart from this, turmeric also possesses antioxidant and detoxifying properties as it has beneficial effects on the liver. It leads to an increased secretion of bile which ultimately causes cleansing of blood and its detoxification. It is advised to take turmeric during and subsequent to taking antibiotics because it normalizes intestinal bacterial flora, damaged by antibiotics.
In China, turmeric is known to reduce the risk and recurrence of melanoma and hence has been used as an anti cancer drug. Research in Japan has shown that the polysaccharide fractions in Turmeric also give it immunological properties. Further research to study the anticancer and other pharmacological activities of Turmeric is still underway.
Turmeric has some unusual uses too. It is effective in the treatment of measles, hepatitis and epilepsy. Though there are no side effects or dosage restrictions, turmeric is contraindicated for people suffering from gall stones or biliary tract obstruction. Concomitant use of high doses of turmeric along with blood-thinning drugs should be avoided.
Given the innumerable and wide ranging therapeutic effects of turmeric, there has been a race to patent this useful herb. However, Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Director General, CSIR fought a protracted legal battle and won against the US patents office where six claims were made to patent turmeric. The US patents office decreed that Turmeric is an Indian discovery and cannot be patented.
There is still a great need for continued research and experimentation on the medicinal properties of Turmeric. Hopefully, modern Isolation and complex extraction processes will provide further information and throw newer insights into the wonders of Turmeric - The miracle herb.
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